DID YOU READ

10 great comic moments from Tony Scott films

The loss of Tony Scott shocked the entire entertainment industry, as he was one of the most renowned action directors of all time, with “Top Gun,” “Spy Game,” “ Man on Fire,” “Enemy of the State” and “The Taking of Pelham 123” under his belt. What’s less emphasized is that he could also make his films all the more entertaining by capturing the comedy element as well – albeit in an aggressive, adrenaline-charged manner most of the time. While most retrospectives will show you his action achievements, here’s a quick rundown of ten great comic moments from the films of the late, great Tony Scott.

Tom Cruise: Cockiest of the Cocky

In Scott’s seminal high-octane jet-fighter flick “Top Gun,” Tom Cruise played Maverick, the hotshot pilot who could pull off what nobody else could, and in the process, that smugly entertaining “goddammit, I don’t want to like you, you cocky son of a bitch, but I do,” persona of his made him a star. Here’s Maverick showing up his teacher and eventual lover, Kelly McGillis, by bragging about his flying skills.

Top Bird

Did that impossible stunt that Mav was bragging about in the previous clip actually happen? Why, yes, Tony Scott gave us a bunch of awesome aerial intensity in order to build to a Polaroid and a middle finger. That’s great bird service.

When Eddie Murphy was Eddie Murphy…

Young folks today might not quite understand why so many Eddie Murphy movies today are viewed with some level of wistful disappointment. Those of us in the know remember when Murphy was a whirlwind of frenetic, energetic comedy, and it’s on great display in Scott’s “Beverly Hills Cop II.” Watch here as he power-bluffs some criminals into confusion and mistrust.

…He could still step back and let Gilbert Gottfried have a scene

Murphy’s Axel Foley was a pre-eminent con artist, constantly tricking people and getting mixed up in shenanigans as a result. So here he is playing the straight man to Gilbert Gottfried’s ridiculous loud-mouthed office schlub.

The bleakest of action-comedies

When you went to see “Beverly Hills Cop II,” you knew you were getting something that was predominantly a comedy, as that was Murphy’s stock in trade. However, in 1991, you weren’t sure what you were going to get with Scott’s “The Last Boy Scout.” Bruce Willis cut his teeth being a comic goofball on “Moonlighting,” but he’d skyrocketed to fame as the down-on-his-luck John McClane in “Die Hard,” so he was the action movie superstar. Damon Wayans had just hit it big with “In Living Color,” and he was straight-up comedy. No one quite expected something as dark and foul-mouthed as this film about a miserable alcoholic detective named Joe Hallenbeck and a coked up washout quarterback named Jimmy Dix trying to avenge Stripper Halle Berry’s death. And yet, it was one of the funniest films Tony Scott ever made.

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The Best Of The Last

The end is near. In mere days Portlandia wraps up its final season, and oh what a season it’s been. Lucky for you, you can watch the entire season right now right here and on the IFC app, including this free episode courtesy of Subaru.

But now, let’s take a moment to look back at some of the new classics Fred and Carrie have so thoughtfully bestowed upon us. (We’ll be looking back through tear-blurred eyes, but you do you.)

Couples Dinner

It’s not that being single sucks, it’s that you suck if you’re single.

Cancel it!

A sketch for anyone who has cancelled more appointments than they’ve kept. Which is everyone.

Forgotten America

This one’s a “Serial” killer…everything both right and wrong about true crime podcasts.

Wedding Planners

The only bad wedding is a boring wedding.

Disaster Hut

It’s only the end of the world if your doomsday kit doesn’t include rosé.

Catch up on Portlandia’s final episodes on demand and at IFC.com

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Your Portlandia Personality Test

Carrie and Fred understand that although we have so much in common, we’re each so beautifully unique and different. To help us navigate those differences, Portlandia has found an easy and honest way to embrace our special selves in the form of a progressive new traffic system: a specific lane for every kind of driver. It’s all in honor of the show’s 8th and final season, and it’s all presented by Subaru.

Ready to find out who you really are? Match your personality to a lane and hop on the expressway to self-understanding.

Lane 10: Trucks Piled With Junk

Your junk is falling out of your trunk. Shake a tail light, people — this lane is for you.

Lane 33: Twins

You’re like a Gemini, but waaaay more pedestrian. Maybe you and a friend just wear the same outfits a lot. Who cares, it’s just twinning enough to make you feel special.

Lane 27: Broken Windows

Bad luck follows you around and everyone knows it. Your proverbial seat is always damp from proverbial rain. Is this the universe telling you to swallow your pride? Yes.

Lane 69: Filthy Cars

You’re all about convenience. Getting your car washed while you drive is a no-brainer.

Lane 43: Newly Divorced Singles

It’s been a while since you’ve driven alone, and you don’t know the rules of the road anymore. What’s too fast? What’s too slow? Are you sending the right signals? Don’t worry, the breakdown lane is nearby if you need it.

Still can’t find a lane to match your personality? Check out all the videos here. And see the final season of Portlandia this spring on IFC.